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Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:34:15 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1Doctors Tell DEA They Should Reschedule Marijuanahttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/doctors-tell-dea-they-should-reschedule-marijuana/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/doctors-tell-dea-they-should-reschedule-marijuana/#commentsTue, 27 Jan 2015 16:18:18 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=7472The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has asked the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to review their marijuana policies and to reschedule marijuana. Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I substance as classified by the DEA, meaning that it is believed to have no medical purpose and is considered highly addictive. Classified as such, it becomes extremely difficult for physicians and researchers to determine the true medicinal value of marijuana.
The AAP supports pharmaceutical cannabinoids for research and development. Because of this, they believe marijuana should be reclassified. The group would like marijuana to be changed to a Schedule II substance so it will be legal to conduct research and development related to medical marijuana.
Additionally, the AAP's statement supports marijuana decriminalization. The statement says, "The AAP strongly supports the decriminalization of marijuana use and encourages pediatricians to advocate for laws that prevent harsh criminal penalties for possession or use of marijuana. A focus on treatment for adolescents with marijuana use problems should be encouraged, and adolescents with marijuana use problems should be referred to treatment."
The statement by AAP, released Monday, is the first policy change for the organization since 2004.]]>The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has asked the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to review their marijuana policies and to reschedule marijuana. Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I substance as classified by the DEA, meaning that it is believed to have no medical purpose and is considered highly addictive. Classified as such, it becomes extremely difficult for physicians and researchers to determine the true medicinal value of marijuana.
The AAP supports pharmaceutical cannabinoids for research and development. Because of this, they believe marijuana should be reclassified. The group would like marijuana to be changed to a Schedule II substance so it will be legal to conduct research and development related to medical marijuana.
Additionally, the AAP's statement supports marijuana decriminalization. The statement says, "The AAP strongly supports the decriminalization of marijuana use and encourages pediatricians to advocate for laws that prevent harsh criminal penalties for possession or use of marijuana. A focus on treatment for adolescents with marijuana use problems should be encouraged, and adolescents with marijuana use problems should be referred to treatment."
The statement by AAP, released Monday, is the first policy change for the organization since 2004.]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/doctors-tell-dea-they-should-reschedule-marijuana/feed/3DEA Raids Alleged Illegal Marijuana Grows in Denverhttp://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/dea-raids-alleged-illegal-marijuana-grows-in-denver/
http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/dea-raids-alleged-illegal-marijuana-grows-in-denver/#commentsWed, 29 Oct 2014 14:58:44 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=7086In conjunction with Denver, Colorado police, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration raided six marijuana grows in Denver as part of an investigation into an illegal marijuana operation based in Minnesota. Over $1 million in cash and marijuana was seized on Tuesday.
According to a law enforcement official who spoke under the condition of anonymity, the people involved in the grows came to Colorado from Minnesota.
Additionally, the official has claimed that the cause for the raid falls into the Department of Justice's priorities for marijuana enforcement, which they released in 2013.
The DOJ's priorities for enforcing federal marijuana law in states where it has been legalized for recreational or medical purposes are as follows:

Preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors;

Preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels;

Preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states;

Preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity;

Preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana;

Preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use;

Preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands and the attendant public safety and environmental dangers posed by marijuana production on public lands; and

Preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property.

Aside from conflicting with the DOJ's marijuana enforcement priorities, the grow operations that were targeted in the raids allegedly also violated Colorado's recreational and medical marijuana laws.
[Source]]]>In conjunction with Denver, Colorado police, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration raided six marijuana grows in Denver as part of an investigation into an illegal marijuana operation based in Minnesota. Over $1 million in cash and marijuana was seized on Tuesday.
According to a law enforcement official who spoke under the condition of anonymity, the people involved in the grows came to Colorado from Minnesota.
Additionally, the official has claimed that the cause for the raid falls into the Department of Justice's priorities for marijuana enforcement, which they released in 2013.
The DOJ's priorities for enforcing federal marijuana law in states where it has been legalized for recreational or medical purposes are as follows:

Preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors;

Preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels;

Preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states;

Preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity;

Preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana;

Preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use;

Preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands and the attendant public safety and environmental dangers posed by marijuana production on public lands; and

Preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property.

Aside from conflicting with the DOJ's marijuana enforcement priorities, the grow operations that were targeted in the raids allegedly also violated Colorado's recreational and medical marijuana laws.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/dea-raids-alleged-illegal-marijuana-grows-in-denver/feed/0Federal Judge Rejects Case to Reclassify Marijuanahttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-judge-rejects-case-to-reclassify-marijuana/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-judge-rejects-case-to-reclassify-marijuana/#commentsSat, 13 Sep 2014 14:35:39 +0000Tokeahontashttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=6879A federal judge in Grand Rapids, Michigan has rejected claims that marijuana should be reclassified from a Schedule I substance. The just also ruled that federal policy which lessens enforcement of marijuana laws in medical and recreational marijuana states does not amount to selective prosecution based on residency for those individuals who do not live in a state where some form of marijuana has been legalized.
The ruling was brought about after individuals facing marijuana related charges challenged their indictments by arguing that marijuana is not dangerous and has medicinal value. The individuals, including Shawn Taylor, the alleged leader of a marijuana grow operation spanning four counties, argued that they shouldn't even be facing charges in the first place because marijuana should not be classified as a Schedule I drug.
US District Judge Robert Jonker issued a 15 page opinion rejecting the defense's requests to dismiss charges, noting that it is the responsibility of the DEA and the federal government to change marijuana's classification, not the Court. In his decision, Jonker acknowledged the history of marijuana in America, but ultimately explained that Congress and the DEA have rejected request to reclassify marijuana multiple times and that it was not the court's role to change that.
Judge Jonker also ruled that the defendants were not victims of selective prosecution. The defense says the Department of Justice has a policy “to forego prosecution of those distributing cannabis in states where it has been made legal for medical and/or recreational use … .” The judge said the defense “over read” the policy statements, and that there is “no hard and fast set of rules, as defendants suggest.”
Overall, as a result of the rulings 37 individuals remain under indictment. According to the judge, the government is arguing they were not in compliance with state or federal law.
[Source]
]]>A federal judge in Grand Rapids, Michigan has rejected claims that marijuana should be reclassified from a Schedule I substance. The just also ruled that federal policy which lessens enforcement of marijuana laws in medical and recreational marijuana states does not amount to selective prosecution based on residency for those individuals who do not live in a state where some form of marijuana has been legalized.
The ruling was brought about after individuals facing marijuana related charges challenged their indictments by arguing that marijuana is not dangerous and has medicinal value. The individuals, including Shawn Taylor, the alleged leader of a marijuana grow operation spanning four counties, argued that they shouldn't even be facing charges in the first place because marijuana should not be classified as a Schedule I drug.
US District Judge Robert Jonker issued a 15 page opinion rejecting the defense's requests to dismiss charges, noting that it is the responsibility of the DEA and the federal government to change marijuana's classification, not the Court. In his decision, Jonker acknowledged the history of marijuana in America, but ultimately explained that Congress and the DEA have rejected request to reclassify marijuana multiple times and that it was not the court's role to change that.
Judge Jonker also ruled that the defendants were not victims of selective prosecution. The defense says the Department of Justice has a policy “to forego prosecution of those distributing cannabis in states where it has been made legal for medical and/or recreational use … .” The judge said the defense “over read” the policy statements, and that there is “no hard and fast set of rules, as defendants suggest.”
Overall, as a result of the rulings 37 individuals remain under indictment. According to the judge, the government is arguing they were not in compliance with state or federal law.
[Source]
]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/federal-judge-rejects-case-to-reclassify-marijuana/feed/2FDA to Consider Marijuana Reclassificationhttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/fda-to-consider-marijuana-reclassification/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/fda-to-consider-marijuana-reclassification/#commentsWed, 25 Jun 2014 15:09:41 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=6510The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the medical evidence surrounding marijuana to determine whether the agency believes marijuana should be reclassified. Currently, marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance, meaning that it is considered to be addictive, dangerouns, and to have no medical value.
"While DEA is the lead federal agency responsible for regulating controlled substances and enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, FDA, working with NIDA, provides scientific recommendations about the appropriate controls for those substances," FDA Deputy Director Doug Throckmorton said Friday in testimony delivered during the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing.
"To make these recommendations, FDA is responsible for preparing what's called an eight-factor analysis, which is a document that is used to assess how likely a drug is to be abused," Throckmorton said.
The FDA has not said how long the review process will take. After the FDA completes its review, which is done for Health and Human Services, HHS will make a recommendation to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The FDA review is based off of scientific and medical evidence.
When considering what schedule marijuana should be classified under, the FDA will consider eight factors including: actual or relative potential for abuse, scientific evidence of its pharmacological effect, the current scientific knowledge regarding marijuana, its history and pattern of abuse, the scope of abuse, the risk it poses to public health, its psychic or physiological dependence liability, and whether marijuana is an immediate precursor of a substance already controlled under this subchapter.
The DEA will then consider HHS' recommendation and conduct its own assessment before making a final scheduling proposal for marijuana in the form of a proposed rule.
There are five schedules of substance classification in the United States, ranging from substances deemed to have no medical value, such as marijuana and heroin, to substances that are widely accepted for medical use with a low potential for abuse, such as Lyrica (for fibromyalgia) and Zotex (for colds and allergies).
The DEA has asked the FDA to consider marijuana's classification before, in 2001 and 2006. Both times, federal regulators determined that marijuana should remain a Schedule I substance. In those instances, the FDA said there wasn't enough research about marijuana's efficacy in treating various ailments.
In February, 17 members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama asking him to instruct US Attorney General Eric Holder to reclassify marijuana more appropriately.
[Source]]]>The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the medical evidence surrounding marijuana to determine whether the agency believes marijuana should be reclassified. Currently, marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance, meaning that it is considered to be addictive, dangerouns, and to have no medical value.
"While DEA is the lead federal agency responsible for regulating controlled substances and enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, FDA, working with NIDA, provides scientific recommendations about the appropriate controls for those substances," FDA Deputy Director Doug Throckmorton said Friday in testimony delivered during the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing.
"To make these recommendations, FDA is responsible for preparing what's called an eight-factor analysis, which is a document that is used to assess how likely a drug is to be abused," Throckmorton said.
The FDA has not said how long the review process will take. After the FDA completes its review, which is done for Health and Human Services, HHS will make a recommendation to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The FDA review is based off of scientific and medical evidence.
When considering what schedule marijuana should be classified under, the FDA will consider eight factors including: actual or relative potential for abuse, scientific evidence of its pharmacological effect, the current scientific knowledge regarding marijuana, its history and pattern of abuse, the scope of abuse, the risk it poses to public health, its psychic or physiological dependence liability, and whether marijuana is an immediate precursor of a substance already controlled under this subchapter.
The DEA will then consider HHS' recommendation and conduct its own assessment before making a final scheduling proposal for marijuana in the form of a proposed rule.
There are five schedules of substance classification in the United States, ranging from substances deemed to have no medical value, such as marijuana and heroin, to substances that are widely accepted for medical use with a low potential for abuse, such as Lyrica (for fibromyalgia) and Zotex (for colds and allergies).
The DEA has asked the FDA to consider marijuana's classification before, in 2001 and 2006. Both times, federal regulators determined that marijuana should remain a Schedule I substance. In those instances, the FDA said there wasn't enough research about marijuana's efficacy in treating various ailments.
In February, 17 members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama asking him to instruct US Attorney General Eric Holder to reclassify marijuana more appropriately.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/fda-to-consider-marijuana-reclassification/feed/7Obama Administation Orders 1,400 Lbs of Marijuana for Researchhttp://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-administatin-orders-1400-lbs-of-marijuana-for-research/
http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-administatin-orders-1400-lbs-of-marijuana-for-research/#commentsMon, 05 May 2014 16:49:14 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=6294With current movements toward medical and recreational marijuana legalization, there is a higher demand for marijuana for NIDA's research. The DEA originally thought they needed 21 kilograms of marijuana for research, but on Monday requested an additional 620 kilograms of marijuana for research purposes.
The DEA rule says the production increase is needed to ensure NIDA has enough product on which to conduct its research.
“NIDA recently notified the DEA that it required additional supplies of marijuana to be manufactured in 2014 to provide for current and anticipated research efforts involving marijuana,” the rule stated. “The DEA was unaware of NIDA’s additional need at the time the initial aggregate production quote for marijuana was established in September 2013.
“The aggregate production quote for marijuana should be increased in order to provide a continuous and uninterrupted supply of marijuana in support of DEA-registered researchers who are approved by the Federal Government to utilize marijuana in their research protocols.”]]>With current movements toward medical and recreational marijuana legalization, there is a higher demand for marijuana for NIDA's research. The DEA originally thought they needed 21 kilograms of marijuana for research, but on Monday requested an additional 620 kilograms of marijuana for research purposes.
The DEA rule says the production increase is needed to ensure NIDA has enough product on which to conduct its research.
“NIDA recently notified the DEA that it required additional supplies of marijuana to be manufactured in 2014 to provide for current and anticipated research efforts involving marijuana,” the rule stated. “The DEA was unaware of NIDA’s additional need at the time the initial aggregate production quote for marijuana was established in September 2013.
“The aggregate production quote for marijuana should be increased in order to provide a continuous and uninterrupted supply of marijuana in support of DEA-registered researchers who are approved by the Federal Government to utilize marijuana in their research protocols.”]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-administatin-orders-1400-lbs-of-marijuana-for-research/feed/12Obama Says Congress Responsible for Marijuana Being Schedule I Substancehttp://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-says-congress-responsible-for-marijuana-being-schedule-i-substance/
http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-says-congress-responsible-for-marijuana-being-schedule-i-substance/#commentsSat, 01 Feb 2014 14:35:11 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=5862During an interview with CNN that aired Friday, President Barack Obama explained that it's Congress' job to remove marijuana from the government's list of Schedule I Controlled Substances, if anyone were to do it. The President also reiterated his stance on marijuana during the interview, alluding to the fact that he might support Congress making such a decision.
In reaction to the President's recent interview in the New Yorker, where he said he does not believe marijuana is more harmful than alcohol, CNN asked Obama whether he would push to have marijuana rescheduled.
Obama responded, "First of all, what is and isn't a Schedule I narcotic is a job for congress." The President explained that the DEA is ultimately the body that determines Scheduling, but it does so based on the laws passed by Congress. During the interview, Obama would not explicitly express his support for congressional action to reschedule marijuana.
However, he then added, "I stand by my belief, based, I think, on the scientific evidence, that marijuana, for casual users, individual users, is subject to abuse, just like alcohol is and should be treated as a public health problem and challenge. But as I said in the interview, my concern is when you end up having very heavy criminal penalties for individual users that have been applied unevenly, and in some case, with racial disparity."
Obama did end the interview with a warning, implying that both marijuana prohibition and full legalization can have their pitfalls. “But I do offer a cautionary note,” Obama told CNN. “…Those who think legalization is a panacea, I think they have to ask themselves some tough questions, too, because if we start having a situation where big corporations with a lot of resources and distribution and marketing arms are suddenly going out there peddling marijuana, then the levels of abuse that may take place are going to be higher.”

]]>During an interview with CNN that aired Friday, President Barack Obama explained that it's Congress' job to remove marijuana from the government's list of Schedule I Controlled Substances, if anyone were to do it. The President also reiterated his stance on marijuana during the interview, alluding to the fact that he might support Congress making such a decision.
In reaction to the President's recent interview in the New Yorker, where he said he does not believe marijuana is more harmful than alcohol, CNN asked Obama whether he would push to have marijuana rescheduled.
Obama responded, "First of all, what is and isn't a Schedule I narcotic is a job for congress." The President explained that the DEA is ultimately the body that determines Scheduling, but it does so based on the laws passed by Congress. During the interview, Obama would not explicitly express his support for congressional action to reschedule marijuana.
However, he then added, "I stand by my belief, based, I think, on the scientific evidence, that marijuana, for casual users, individual users, is subject to abuse, just like alcohol is and should be treated as a public health problem and challenge. But as I said in the interview, my concern is when you end up having very heavy criminal penalties for individual users that have been applied unevenly, and in some case, with racial disparity."
Obama did end the interview with a warning, implying that both marijuana prohibition and full legalization can have their pitfalls. “But I do offer a cautionary note,” Obama told CNN. “…Those who think legalization is a panacea, I think they have to ask themselves some tough questions, too, because if we start having a situation where big corporations with a lot of resources and distribution and marketing arms are suddenly going out there peddling marijuana, then the levels of abuse that may take place are going to be higher.”

]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/obama-says-congress-responsible-for-marijuana-being-schedule-i-substance/feed/2DEA Chief of Operations Calls Marijuana Legalization “Reckless”http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/dea-chief-of-operations-calls-marijuana-legalization-reckless/
http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/dea-chief-of-operations-calls-marijuana-legalization-reckless/#commentsThu, 16 Jan 2014 14:57:15 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=5775On Wednesday, Drug Enforcement Administration chief of operations James Capra called the legalization of marijuana on a state level "reckless and irresponsible."
Capra's comments on legalization came as a response from a senator during a hearing focused on drug cultivation in Afghanistan. His statement marks the first time the DEA has spoken out so specifically about marijuana legalization in months.
Capra continued, "It scares us. Every part of the world where this has been tried, it has failed time and time again."
According to Capra, the DEA has closely monitored Colorado since the opening of recreational pot shops on January 1.
“There are more dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks,” he said. “The idea somehow people in our country have that this is somehow good for us as a nation is wrong. It’s a bad thing.”
Thus far, legal marijuana in Colorado has gone off relatively without a hitch.
[Source]]]>On Wednesday, Drug Enforcement Administration chief of operations James Capra called the legalization of marijuana on a state level "reckless and irresponsible."
Capra's comments on legalization came as a response from a senator during a hearing focused on drug cultivation in Afghanistan. His statement marks the first time the DEA has spoken out so specifically about marijuana legalization in months.
Capra continued, "It scares us. Every part of the world where this has been tried, it has failed time and time again."
According to Capra, the DEA has closely monitored Colorado since the opening of recreational pot shops on January 1.
“There are more dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks,” he said. “The idea somehow people in our country have that this is somehow good for us as a nation is wrong. It’s a bad thing.”
Thus far, legal marijuana in Colorado has gone off relatively without a hitch.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-national/dea-chief-of-operations-calls-marijuana-legalization-reckless/feed/8Colorado Dispensaries and Grows Raided Due to Possible Link to Colombian Drug Cartelshttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-dispensaries-and-grows-raided-due-to-possible-link-to-colombian-drug-cartels/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-dispensaries-and-grows-raided-due-to-possible-link-to-colombian-drug-cartels/#commentsSat, 23 Nov 2013 14:03:26 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=5538raided a number of medical marijuana grows and dispensaries near Denver. Now, multiple sources are claiming the investigation is due to a suspected connection to a Colombian drug cartel, according to sources.
Sources close to the investigation spoke to The Denver Post on condition of anonymity. Apparently, the businesses that were raided were all "one big operation," according to a source.
In the raids, over a dozen medical marijuana businesses were targeted, including both dispensaries and grow warehouses. Two homes were also searched. Search warrants showed that there were 10 "target subjects" who were people connected to the medical marijuana businesses.
One of the dispensaries, VIP Cannabis in Denver, was operating while its medical marijuana business license was still pending. There are currently 96 collectives operating in that manner right now in the state, and at least a dozen of them are connected to the 10 "targets" from the warrant.
Federal officials wouldn't give specific reasons for the raids — which included agents from the U.S. Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service — other than to say one of eight federal concerns about marijuana had potentially been violated.
Those concerns include trafficking marijuana outside of states where it has been legalized, money laundering and providing revenue for criminal enterprises, including gangs and cartels, and using weapons to protect a criminal enterprise.
One of the targets, 50-year-old Juan Guardarrama, pleaded guilty to racketeering in Miami earlier this year. The case was connected to Colombian and Cuban gangs, according to published reports.
As part of the investigation, Guardarrama, a Cuban immigrant with deep ties to the Miami area but who was living in Denver, asked an undercover police officer to help him distribute 20 pounds of Colorado-grown marijuana in Miami, The Herald reported, citing police records.
Guardarrama also asked the undercover officer to "take out" a business partner in Colorado who had "disrespected" him, The Herald reported.

Other targets include grow owners, attorneys, and former collective owners.

]]>raided a number of medical marijuana grows and dispensaries near Denver. Now, multiple sources are claiming the investigation is due to a suspected connection to a Colombian drug cartel, according to sources.
Sources close to the investigation spoke to The Denver Post on condition of anonymity. Apparently, the businesses that were raided were all "one big operation," according to a source.
In the raids, over a dozen medical marijuana businesses were targeted, including both dispensaries and grow warehouses. Two homes were also searched. Search warrants showed that there were 10 "target subjects" who were people connected to the medical marijuana businesses.
One of the dispensaries, VIP Cannabis in Denver, was operating while its medical marijuana business license was still pending. There are currently 96 collectives operating in that manner right now in the state, and at least a dozen of them are connected to the 10 "targets" from the warrant.
Federal officials wouldn't give specific reasons for the raids — which included agents from the U.S. Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service — other than to say one of eight federal concerns about marijuana had potentially been violated.
Those concerns include trafficking marijuana outside of states where it has been legalized, money laundering and providing revenue for criminal enterprises, including gangs and cartels, and using weapons to protect a criminal enterprise.
One of the targets, 50-year-old Juan Guardarrama, pleaded guilty to racketeering in Miami earlier this year. The case was connected to Colombian and Cuban gangs, according to published reports.
As part of the investigation, Guardarrama, a Cuban immigrant with deep ties to the Miami area but who was living in Denver, asked an undercover police officer to help him distribute 20 pounds of Colorado-grown marijuana in Miami, The Herald reported, citing police records.
Guardarrama also asked the undercover officer to "take out" a business partner in Colorado who had "disrespected" him, The Herald reported.

Other targets include grow owners, attorneys, and former collective owners.

]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-dispensaries-and-grows-raided-due-to-possible-link-to-colombian-drug-cartels/feed/1Feds Raid Colorado Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Growshttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-colorado-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-grows/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-colorado-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-grows/#commentsFri, 22 Nov 2013 13:56:24 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=5532Following a recent lull in raids and seizures, federal DEA and IRS agents raided over a dozen marijuana facilities in Denver, Co. and the surrounding areas Thursday morning. According to the DEA, the raids were conducted as part of a criminal investigation.
Over $1 million worth of marijuana was seized from a Boulder County grow and associated dispensaries. This marks the biggest medical marijuana crackdown in the state since voters opted to legalize recreational marijuana last year.
Officials from the DEA and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office were seen executing warrants at the former Beech Aircraft facility at 6859 North Foothills Highway, where a large pile of snow-covered marijuana plants was visible outside for much of the morning Thursday.
Boulder County Assessor's Office records show three marijuana-related businesses at that address: Swiss Medical Industries, Boulder Sweet Grass and Greenhill Investments. It was not clear whether all three businesses were the target of search warrants or just one or two.
County records indicate all three hold licenses for marijuana grow operations; Greenhill also holds a license for manufacture of infused products.
A dispensary, VIP Cannabis in Denver, was confirmed to also have been involved in the raids.
According to a search warrant obtained by The Denver Post, aside from marijuana, investigators were searching for weapons and ammunition. Investigators also searched for receipts, photographs, names, and correspondence related to "co-conspirators, sources of supply, customers, financial institutions and other individuals or businesses with whom a financial relationship exist."
Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for John Walsh, the U.S. attorney for Colorado, said the operation “comports with the Department’s recent guidance regarding marijuana enforcement matters.” The August 29 memo to which Dorschner refers indicated that the feds would not interfere with marijuana businesses that comply with state law unless their activities implicated one or more of these eight “enforcement priorities":

“preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors,”

“preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states,”

“preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use,”

“preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands,”

“preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property,”

“preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises,”

“preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana,”

“preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs.”

Walsh's office has not clarified which enforcement priority was violated to spark the investigation. “Although we cannot at this time discuss the substance of this pending investigation,” Dorschner said in a written statement, “there are strong indications that more than one of the eight federal prosecution priorities identified in the Department of Justice’s August guidance memo are potentially implicated.”
[Source]]]>Following a recent lull in raids and seizures, federal DEA and IRS agents raided over a dozen marijuana facilities in Denver, Co. and the surrounding areas Thursday morning. According to the DEA, the raids were conducted as part of a criminal investigation.
Over $1 million worth of marijuana was seized from a Boulder County grow and associated dispensaries. This marks the biggest medical marijuana crackdown in the state since voters opted to legalize recreational marijuana last year.
Officials from the DEA and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office were seen executing warrants at the former Beech Aircraft facility at 6859 North Foothills Highway, where a large pile of snow-covered marijuana plants was visible outside for much of the morning Thursday.
Boulder County Assessor's Office records show three marijuana-related businesses at that address: Swiss Medical Industries, Boulder Sweet Grass and Greenhill Investments. It was not clear whether all three businesses were the target of search warrants or just one or two.
County records indicate all three hold licenses for marijuana grow operations; Greenhill also holds a license for manufacture of infused products.
A dispensary, VIP Cannabis in Denver, was confirmed to also have been involved in the raids.
According to a search warrant obtained by The Denver Post, aside from marijuana, investigators were searching for weapons and ammunition. Investigators also searched for receipts, photographs, names, and correspondence related to "co-conspirators, sources of supply, customers, financial institutions and other individuals or businesses with whom a financial relationship exist."
Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for John Walsh, the U.S. attorney for Colorado, said the operation “comports with the Department’s recent guidance regarding marijuana enforcement matters.” The August 29 memo to which Dorschner refers indicated that the feds would not interfere with marijuana businesses that comply with state law unless their activities implicated one or more of these eight “enforcement priorities":

“preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors,”

“preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states,”

“preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use,”

“preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands,”

“preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property,”

“preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises,”

“preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana,”

“preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs.”

Walsh's office has not clarified which enforcement priority was violated to spark the investigation. “Although we cannot at this time discuss the substance of this pending investigation,” Dorschner said in a written statement, “there are strong indications that more than one of the eight federal prosecution priorities identified in the Department of Justice’s August guidance memo are potentially implicated.”
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-colorado-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-grows/feed/2Feds Raid Medical Marijuana Collectives in Washingtonhttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-washington/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-washington/#commentsThu, 25 Jul 2013 13:56:03 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=5022According to Seattle attorney Douglas Hyatt, the collectives that were raided were Seattle Cross, Tacoma Cross and Bayside Collective.
Bayside collective was burglarized on Sunday night, which could have brought unwanted attention from the feds. Bayside employee Addy Norton said that DEA agents seized personal cellphones of the dispensary workers. They also seized the shop's marijuana. However, they left computers and $1,000 cash behind. According to Norton, agents informed her the raid was part of a two year investigation. She was ordered to appear before a federal grand jury in Seattle in September.
Another employee, Casey Lee, claims a DEA agent said to him, "Things are going to be hell for you." The agent added, "This is your second raid and your third robbery. Why do you keep doing this?"
Lee explained, "I just told him it's because we just enjoy helping people, and he told us that he wasn't expecting that answer."
[Source]]]>According to Seattle attorney Douglas Hyatt, the collectives that were raided were Seattle Cross, Tacoma Cross and Bayside Collective.
Bayside collective was burglarized on Sunday night, which could have brought unwanted attention from the feds. Bayside employee Addy Norton said that DEA agents seized personal cellphones of the dispensary workers. They also seized the shop's marijuana. However, they left computers and $1,000 cash behind. According to Norton, agents informed her the raid was part of a two year investigation. She was ordered to appear before a federal grand jury in Seattle in September.
Another employee, Casey Lee, claims a DEA agent said to him, "Things are going to be hell for you." The agent added, "This is your second raid and your third robbery. Why do you keep doing this?"
Lee explained, "I just told him it's because we just enjoy helping people, and he told us that he wasn't expecting that answer."
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-raid-medical-marijuana-collectives-in-washington/feed/10NY Man Stole $90k in Electricity to Run Marijuana Growhttp://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/ny-man-stole-90k-in-electricity-to-run-marijuana-grow/
http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/ny-man-stole-90k-in-electricity-to-run-marijuana-grow/#commentsMon, 17 Jun 2013 15:16:41 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4801Joel Polanco, 33, from the Bronx, Ny. is accused of stealing over $90,ooo in electricity to run an illegal marijuana grow in West Haven, Ct.
Polanco was arrested on May 29th after it was discovered that he was stealing electricity to power a home, according to police. After that arrest, the DEA and United Illuminating launched an investigation into the man.
It has now been discovered that Polanco was stealing the electricity to power his illegal marijuana grow, which contained over 360 plants.
Polanco will now face several drug charges in addition to charges of first-degree larceny.
[Source]]]>Joel Polanco, 33, from the Bronx, Ny. is accused of stealing over $90,ooo in electricity to run an illegal marijuana grow in West Haven, Ct.
Polanco was arrested on May 29th after it was discovered that he was stealing electricity to power a home, according to police. After that arrest, the DEA and United Illuminating launched an investigation into the man.
It has now been discovered that Polanco was stealing the electricity to power his illegal marijuana grow, which contained over 360 plants.
Polanco will now face several drug charges in addition to charges of first-degree larceny.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-crime/ny-man-stole-90k-in-electricity-to-run-marijuana-grow/feed/0Feds Launch New Wave of Medical Marijuana Collective Crackdownshttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-launch-new-wave-of-medical-marijuana-collective-crackdowns/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-launch-new-wave-of-medical-marijuana-collective-crackdowns/#commentsTue, 07 May 2013 13:58:27 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4491Yesterday, California was dealt a blow when the Supreme Court upheld cities' right to ban medical marijuana collectives. Now, federal officials are launching a new wave of crackdowns on collectives in California, as well as Washington.
This week, at least 11 medical marijuana dispensaries in Seattle received cease and desist letters warning them to close up or face federal punishment, which would be up to 40 years in prison. Almost half of the collectives in San Fransisco also received warning letters, reducing the number of open collectives from 15 to 8. A handful of collectives were warned in San Jose and other Northern California cities.
The cease and desist letters from the DEA warn collective owners and their landlords that if they do not shut down in the next 30 days, the federal government will file civil forfeiture suits to seize the property housing the collective as well as everything inside. This tactic has been frequently used by the DEA in recent months in order to encourage landlords to evict the collectives as soon as possible.
According to DEA spokeswoman Jodie Underwood, all of the collectives that received letters are located within 1,000 feet of a school or prohibited area, such as a park, daycare center, or church. She told the Seattle Times, "DEA enforces federal drug laws, and these letters have nothing to do with any pending legislation or state law. As we continue to identify locations, additional letters will be sent out."
Many dispensary owners have lamented that, especially in cities, it is nearly impossible to find a location that is not within 1,000 feet of a prohibited area. Others allege that they received closure letters even though they have made sure that there are no prohibited areas within a 1,000 foot radius.
All of these communities have seen federal intervention in the past, but many advocates see these crackdowns as being especially symbolic, due to the fact that they are happening post-sequester, even as law enforcement officials, including US Attorney General Eric Holder, are warning that the budget cuts are a threat to public safety. That means that the federal government is considering medical marijuana raids high on its priority list.
[Source]]]>Yesterday, California was dealt a blow when the Supreme Court upheld cities' right to ban medical marijuana collectives. Now, federal officials are launching a new wave of crackdowns on collectives in California, as well as Washington.
This week, at least 11 medical marijuana dispensaries in Seattle received cease and desist letters warning them to close up or face federal punishment, which would be up to 40 years in prison. Almost half of the collectives in San Fransisco also received warning letters, reducing the number of open collectives from 15 to 8. A handful of collectives were warned in San Jose and other Northern California cities.
The cease and desist letters from the DEA warn collective owners and their landlords that if they do not shut down in the next 30 days, the federal government will file civil forfeiture suits to seize the property housing the collective as well as everything inside. This tactic has been frequently used by the DEA in recent months in order to encourage landlords to evict the collectives as soon as possible.
According to DEA spokeswoman Jodie Underwood, all of the collectives that received letters are located within 1,000 feet of a school or prohibited area, such as a park, daycare center, or church. She told the Seattle Times, "DEA enforces federal drug laws, and these letters have nothing to do with any pending legislation or state law. As we continue to identify locations, additional letters will be sent out."
Many dispensary owners have lamented that, especially in cities, it is nearly impossible to find a location that is not within 1,000 feet of a prohibited area. Others allege that they received closure letters even though they have made sure that there are no prohibited areas within a 1,000 foot radius.
All of these communities have seen federal intervention in the past, but many advocates see these crackdowns as being especially symbolic, due to the fact that they are happening post-sequester, even as law enforcement officials, including US Attorney General Eric Holder, are warning that the budget cuts are a threat to public safety. That means that the federal government is considering medical marijuana raids high on its priority list.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-launch-new-wave-of-medical-marijuana-collective-crackdowns/feed/25San Diego Medical Marijuana Advocates Speak Out Against Feds After Raidhttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/san-diego-medical-marijuana-advocates-speak-out-against-feds-after-raid/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/san-diego-medical-marijuana-advocates-speak-out-against-feds-after-raid/#commentsThu, 02 May 2013 14:01:45 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4451Federal officials forced their way into the collective offices, disable security cameras, and took records and marijuana from the office in the Gaslamp District.
Cole is now speaking out against the federal government's relentless efforts to put a stop to medical marijuana in California, a state-approved enterprise.
He explained, "I want the federal people to tell the general public, starting with out lawyers, that they have been lying to us for four years, or five years, or six years if necessary, by telling us that 'if you do follow all of the guidelines, you do follow all of the guidelines, you do follow all of the rules, we're not coming after you. You're not the bad guys. We're going after drug dealers."
The association does not currently plan to re-open, pending any criminal charges that may be filed. Cole is currently discussing the organization's legal options with their attorney.
[Source]]]>Federal officials forced their way into the collective offices, disable security cameras, and took records and marijuana from the office in the Gaslamp District.
Cole is now speaking out against the federal government's relentless efforts to put a stop to medical marijuana in California, a state-approved enterprise.
He explained, "I want the federal people to tell the general public, starting with out lawyers, that they have been lying to us for four years, or five years, or six years if necessary, by telling us that 'if you do follow all of the guidelines, you do follow all of the guidelines, you do follow all of the rules, we're not coming after you. You're not the bad guys. We're going after drug dealers."
The association does not currently plan to re-open, pending any criminal charges that may be filed. Cole is currently discussing the organization's legal options with their attorney.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/san-diego-medical-marijuana-advocates-speak-out-against-feds-after-raid/feed/2Feds Seize Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Patient Recordshttp://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-seize-oregons-medical-marijuana-patient-records/
http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-seize-oregons-medical-marijuana-patient-records/#commentsSat, 13 Apr 2013 14:28:37 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4308The seizure was executed in November as a part of an investigation into medical marijuana cultivators who were suspected of illegally selling their marijuana.
The warrant to seize the records was applied for by Department of Justice Special Agent Michael Gutensohn. In the application he wrote, "I have probable cause to believe that records from the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program will contain evidence and instrumentalities of marijuana manufacturing and trafficking conspiracy to commit marijuana manufacturing and trafficking offenses."
According to Gerri Badden, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Oregon, only specific records listed in the warrant had been seized so far, but the investigation is ongoing.
Oregon Public Health Division spokesperson Jonathan Modie explained that the state, "routinely releases records pursuant to a court order." He continued in an email to the Post-Intelligencer, "I want to emphasize, though, that unless compelled to do so by a court order, the OMMP does not give out information about patients, caregivers, or growers. "
[Source]]]>The seizure was executed in November as a part of an investigation into medical marijuana cultivators who were suspected of illegally selling their marijuana.
The warrant to seize the records was applied for by Department of Justice Special Agent Michael Gutensohn. In the application he wrote, "I have probable cause to believe that records from the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program will contain evidence and instrumentalities of marijuana manufacturing and trafficking conspiracy to commit marijuana manufacturing and trafficking offenses."
According to Gerri Badden, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Oregon, only specific records listed in the warrant had been seized so far, but the investigation is ongoing.
Oregon Public Health Division spokesperson Jonathan Modie explained that the state, "routinely releases records pursuant to a court order." He continued in an email to the Post-Intelligencer, "I want to emphasize, though, that unless compelled to do so by a court order, the OMMP does not give out information about patients, caregivers, or growers. "
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/feds-seize-oregons-medical-marijuana-patient-records/feed/3Marijuana Seizure Numbers Drop Drastically in 2012http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-seizure-numbers-drop-drastically-in-2012/
http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-seizure-numbers-drop-drastically-in-2012/#commentsFri, 12 Apr 2013 14:25:53 +0000lucy millerhttp://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4302DEA officials had planned to destroy 9 million marijuana plants in 2012, but blamed budget cuts and sneakier tactics by drug traffickers for their shortcomings.
The California state budget cuts resulted in "the decreased availability of local law enforcement personnel to assist in eradication efforts," according to the DEA's 2014 budget proposal. Additionally, they explained that drug trafficking organizations are moving their marijuana grows to private agricultural areas rather than using public land, making them more difficult to target. The growers who do still use public land choose mountainous, dangerous regions which are difficult for law enforcement officials to access.
In addition to a drop in the DEA's eradication numbers, marijuana seizures have also dropped along the US borders. According to the US Border Patrol budget report, the amount of marijuana seized at the borders dropped 9% between 2011 and 2012.
In to a statement to Huffington Post, Marijuana Majority chairman Tom Angell reacted to the new figures. He stated, "When the DEA cites the 'decreased availability of local law enforcement personnel to assist in eradication efforts' as a reason it's having a hard time enforcing marijuana prohibition, it validates the state-by-state strategy" put into place by drug policy reform advocates.
[Source]]]>DEA officials had planned to destroy 9 million marijuana plants in 2012, but blamed budget cuts and sneakier tactics by drug traffickers for their shortcomings.
The California state budget cuts resulted in "the decreased availability of local law enforcement personnel to assist in eradication efforts," according to the DEA's 2014 budget proposal. Additionally, they explained that drug trafficking organizations are moving their marijuana grows to private agricultural areas rather than using public land, making them more difficult to target. The growers who do still use public land choose mountainous, dangerous regions which are difficult for law enforcement officials to access.
In addition to a drop in the DEA's eradication numbers, marijuana seizures have also dropped along the US borders. According to the US Border Patrol budget report, the amount of marijuana seized at the borders dropped 9% between 2011 and 2012.
In to a statement to Huffington Post, Marijuana Majority chairman Tom Angell reacted to the new figures. He stated, "When the DEA cites the 'decreased availability of local law enforcement personnel to assist in eradication efforts' as a reason it's having a hard time enforcing marijuana prohibition, it validates the state-by-state strategy" put into place by drug policy reform advocates.
[Source]]]>http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-seizure-numbers-drop-drastically-in-2012/feed/5